“Who are you voting for?”
“_______________will never win.”
“Are you a Democrat or Republican?”
“Do you have liberal or conservative views?”
“You are wasting your vote on ______________.”
These are all questions and statements filling our homes, and social networks. And now, with the mid-term election a month away, one of the more contentious battles in decades, political debates are likely infiltrating the office, dining tables and social events, making it more important than ever to be wise about your political comments. Here are some tips to remember when entering political conversation entering into the election and following.
Consider establishing rules. Simply ask permission setting down some ground rules: “I don’t want to debate you, but I do want permission to share and hear conflicting opinions,” can help initiate and manage a political conversation.
Show respect by offering, “Your thoughts and your perspective are important to me, I want to hear from you and I don’t assume I’m right,”
- Know your audience. If you engage in a political conversation with a business colleague, a friend or social acquaintance make sure you have an idea of his/her position. If you aren’t sure, try asking a more open ended question that may elicit a defining response: “What are your thoughts on the election?” Tailor your comments to be non-offensive and not permanently damaging.
- Know your stuff. Be prepared with accurate information about current political happenings so you project credibility.
- Debate facts, not feelings. Keep emotionally-driven statements out of your political discussion and stick to hard facts. This way you don’t hurt anyone’s feelings and your own feelings don’t get harmed. You will be less vulnerable in the end.
- Respect! Respect yourself, your political candidates, your friends, family and co-workers. Always be thoughtful of what you say and how you say it.
- Speak up or shut up. There’s no harm in tastefully expressing your views, but don’t feel pressured to share your thoughts. Just make a personal decision to talk or not talk about it up front and stick with it. Flip flopping makes you a target for confrontation.
- Listen to what is being said. A powerful political conversation has two sides. Take time to hear what your conversation partner says and appreciate his/her opinion. Ask questions you think will enhance the dialog. Listening can often bring your own views to light.
- Know when to back down, turn around and walk away. Think before you speak. If you feel like the conversation is getting too intense or uncomfortable, excuse yourself. Read body language to help keep your comments in check.
- Agree to disagree. It’s fun to have stimulating political banter, but if you agree to disagree upfront it can be more entertaining and less destructive.
- Remember you’re on the same side. At the end of the day, you will probably continue to attend the same back to school nights, participate in the same social circle and remain in the same family, so don’t let political conversations interfere with your relationships.
- If in the workplace now the company’s policies. Know what is and isn’t allowed in the way of political expressions (i.e. sending out political emails, hanging signs) and adhere to management requests.
Talking politics doesn’t have to be cringe-worthy. Remember these tips, read your conversation partner for clues and you’ll do just fine. And if all else fails, you can rely on your superior small talk skills to steer the topics back to a safe spot.